Madlib, 'Beat Konducta, Vol. 5–6: A Tribute to...' (Stones Throw)

The ghost of the late James "J Dilla" Yancey still haunts Madlib, who calls his musical comrade the "Coltrane of Beats" on this exuberantly melancholy tribute. With song titles like "In Jah's Hands" and "Infinity Sound," this may be the Beat Konducta's most spiritual release to date. But Madlib has his own way of mourning, so he stocks the 42-track odyssey with swaggering soul loops ("Detroit Playaz"), herb anthems ("Another Bag of Bomb"), and Rasta poetry ("For My Mans"). It's the musical equivalent of pouring out a little malt liquor.